Derm DMs: What are the flesh colored bumps on my forehead?

If you would like to get to know your magnifying mirror, you may come across some non-removable flesh-colored bumps occasionally. They don't get sick and they don't get inflamed like pimples, so what exactly? After talking with a board-certified dermatologist Dr. Patricia Farris, we learned that you are probably dealing with an overgrowth of the sebaceous glands or sebaceous gland hyperplasia. Here we will tell you what you need to know about glands filled with sebum and how to deal with them. 

What is the growth of the sebaceous glands? 

Normally, the sebaceous glands attached to the hair follicles secrete sebum or oil into the hair follicle canal. The oil is then released through a hole in the surface of the skin. But when these sebaceous glands become clogged, excess sebum is not secreted. “Sebaceous hyperplasia is when the sebaceous glands become enlarged and trapped by sebum,” says Dr. Farris. "This is common in older patients and is the result of a decrease in androgen levels associated with aging." She explains that without androgens, cell turnover slows down and sebum can build up.   

In terms of appearance, the growths that are usually found on the forehead and cheeks will not look like an ordinary inflamed pimple. “They are small, yellowish or white papules, usually with a small indentation in the center that corresponds to the opening of the hair follicle,” says Dr. Farris. And, unlike acne, sebaceous growths are not sensitive to touch, do not cause swelling or discomfort. Although sebaceous hyperplasia is easily distinguished from acne, it actually looks very similar to basal cell carcinoma, which is a form of skin cancer. Before you worry about yourself, be sure to get a confirmed diagnosis, it is important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist. 

How to deal with sebaceous hyperplasia 

First things first: there is no medical need to treat sebaceous growths. They are benign and any form of treatment is for cosmetic purposes. Whether you want to either reduce your chances of developing sebaceous hyperplasia or treat existing blemishes, incorporating retinoids or retinol into your skin care routine is the most common way to go. “Topical retinoids are the mainstay of treatment and can flatten the surface of the bumps over time,” says Dr. Farris. "Some of my favorite US.K Under Skin Retinol Antiox Defense, SkinCeuticals Retinol .3 и Biopelle Retriderm Retinol". (Editor's note: Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to use sunscreen in the morning and take proper sun protection measures.) 

Now, if your lesions are larger and have been on your face for a while, the use of retinoids may not be enough. “Sebaceous growths can be removed with shaving, but the most common treatment is electrosurgical destruction,” says Dr. Farris. Basically, a board certified dermatologist will use thermal energy or heat to flatten the lesion and make it less noticeable. 

Design: Hanna Packer